Copying and engraving machine



Oct. 31, 1939. zwxc 2,178,131

' com (me AND ENGRAVING MACHINE Filed July 29, 1938 Z9 7 T /0 vemor '151; KurT Z wick yW &

Aliorneys Patented a. 31, 1939 UNITED, STATES COPYING AND ENGRAVINGMACHINE Kurt ,Zwick, Munich, Germany, assignor to Friedrich Deckel,Munich-Prince Ludwigshohe,

Bavaria, Germany Application July 29, 1938, Serial No. 222,029

' In Germany August 3, 1937 7 Claims. (01. 90-131 This invention dealswith copying and engraving machines of the type capable of performingthree dimensional work or relief work, sometimes called profilingmachines. It is an object of the present invention to provide agenerally improved and more satisfactory copying and engraving machineof this type.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a machine in which apantograph is mov- 10' able, guided for movement in a plane alwaysparallel to a given fixed plane, and inwhich the mass inertia of thepantograph is utilized for damping vibrations of the tool spindle or ofthe tracing stylus in a direction perpendicular to the 16 plane ofoperation ofv the pantograph, as well as vibrations in the direction ofsuch plane.

' Still another object is the provision of a ma chine of the kind justmentioned, in which approximately the same mass is available for 20damping vibrations in a direction perpendicular to the plane ofoperation of the pantograph, as for damping vibrations in the directionof such plane.

A further object is the provision of a pantograph engraving machinecapable of doing relief work, in which the pantograph always operates ina plane parallel to a given fixed plane and'in which a more rigidconstruction and especially a more rigid support for the tool spindle isprovided, than in previous machines of this kind.

A still further object is the provision of a pantograph machine of thiskind in which the extent to which the end of the cutting tool projectsfrom the plane of the pantograph operation is constant, thus avoidingthe unfavorably great projectionfrom the pantograph plane, present in.certain prior machines. I

To these and other ends the invention resides in certain improvementsand combinations of 40 parts, all as will be hereinafter more fullydescribed, the novel features being pointed out in Y the claims at heend of the specification.

In the drawing:

Fig. 1. is a side elevation of a machine constructed in accordance witha preferred illustrative embodiment of the invention;

Fig; 2 is a plan thereof; Fig. 3 is a side elevation of a fragment ofthe .machine, showing the connection between the tool holder and the barwhich guides vertical movements of the parts, and

Fig.4 is an end view of the construction shown in Fig. 3, withthe barillustrated in section.

The same reference numerals throughout the several views indicate thesame parts. a

In the machine here shown as an illustrative embodiment, a standardorframe supports a pattern table I3 and a work table l5, both of thesetables being mounted, as usual, on variousslides and provided withfeeding mechanism so 5 that they can be moved to various positionsrelamanner. The pantograph linkage may be said to operate in a planewhich is perpendicular to the main pivot 2| from which'the pantographmechanism is supported. The plane of operation of thepantograph linkagedoes not tilt, since an no provision is made for tilting the main pivot2|, but the pantogr-aph linkage as a whole can be moved upwardly ordownwardly by sliding the carrier |9 upwardly or downwardly along itsguideway on the standard l1. Thus the panto- 35 graph linkage mayoperate in any one of an infinite number of operating planes, each oneof which, however, is parallel to each other plane and to any givenfixed reference plane (such, for example, as the plane of the table l3or |5) which is perpendicular to the main pivot 2|.

On the member 21 of the pantograph linkage is a tool hol'der indicatedin general at 33, which tool holder has the usual bearings for a toolspindle 35 arranged perpendicularly to the plane 33 of operation of thepantograph linkage, and

- which carries at its lower end a cutting tool 37.

The spindle 35 may be driven in any suitable manner, such, for example,as an electric motor driving a belt 4| which in turn drives a belt 43 0running over one or another of the pulleys 45 on the spindle 35.

On the pantograph member 25 near the outer 1 end thereof, is a socket 5|in which isvertically slidable a stylus holder 53 carrying at its lower45 end a tracing stylus 55. The pantograph member 25 may also have anoperating handle 51 projecting from the socket 5|, which handle may begrasped by the operator to assist in operating the parts. The stylusholder 53 is accurately 50 guided inthe socket 5| so that it may not bedisplaced laterally therein, but may move freely in a longitudinaldirection through the socket.

' As usual, the pantograph linkage members 23, 25, 21, and 29 areadjustable relatively to each 55 other to vary the ratio of reduction orenlargement, andthe tool holder 33 is adjustable along the member 21 .onwhich it is mounted, so that, whenever the linkage members are changedto a diiierent adjustment the tool holder may be set to proper positionso that it and the stylus holder ments of the parts in the plane of thepantograph linkage. -In the illustrative form here shown, the fixedpivotal connection is between the bar ii and the stylus holder 53, asindicated at 63. The pivotal connection between the bar and the toolholder 33 is slidable along the bar, and the pivotal'connection 61between the bar and the machine frame is likewise slidable along thebar, so that these last two named connections do not'interefere withmovements of the stylus holder toward or away from the main pivot 2|,since during such movements the bar 6| may slide longitudinallyrelatively to the pivotal con- .nections l5 and G1.

The preferred form of such slidable pivotal connections is shown inFigs. 3 and 4. The bar BI is preferably of substantially I-beam shape,as shown in Fig. 4. On each side of the bar is v a triangular plate II,and between these two plates are the pivots of three rollers l3, l5, and11, two of which roll on one edge of the bar and the other of whichrolls on the opposite edge of the bar. Extending upwardly from the topof the tool holder 33 is a shaft 19 mounted in bearings at the top ofthe tool holder so as to be capable of turning relatively to the toolholder about its own axis (which coincides with the rotary axis of thespindle 35), but held against axial or longitudinal movement relativelyto the tool holder. At its upper end this shaft I9 is forked asat I toprovide two arms extending upwardly on opposite sidesof the triangularplate II in embracing relationship thereto, and the pivots I extendinwardly from the arms 8i into the plates II, to form a pivotalconnection between the plates and the arms.

with this ent the bar GI may slide freely in the direction of its ownlength and across the rotary axis of the spindle 35, and the tool holder33 may turn relatively to the bar 6| about the axis of rotation of thespindle, but the which'carry the three rollers preferably beingreversedas shown in Fig. 1, and the forked arms Ola being connected to a shaft"a which extends upwardb and which is rotatably mounted in a bracket I!at the top of the spindle ll of the machine frame, but which is heldagainst axial -or longitudinal movement therein.-

linkage controls the proper It is important that the axis of the pivot61 intersect the axis of the pivot 2i and that the center of rotation ofthe shaft 19a be in alinement with the axis of the main pivot II, inorder that the reduction or enlargement ratio for vertical movements ina direction perpendicular to the plane of operation of the pantographlinkage, may be the same as the reduction or enlargement ratio formovements directions parallel to such plane. "Also, of course, the pivotii intersects the'rotary axis of the spindle 35, and the pivot 63intersects the axis of the stylus 55. The pivdle, and whereby the bar Iis connected to the machine frame at a point in alinement with the mainpivot 2| of the pantograph linkage, the

pivots t3, v, and 61, also being all in a straight line with each other.

As above indicated, the pivot 61 between the bar and the machine framemay be the fixed pivot, and the pivots 63 and I may both be slidablealong the bar, or the pivot 65 may be the fixed pivot and the pivots i3and "I may both be slidable along the bar 6], for it is immaterial whichof these three pivots be fixed to the bar. so long as the other two areslidable. Indeed, all three could be made slidable along the bar, so faras correct operation of the machine is concerned, so long as some meansis provided for preventing the bar from escaping endwise from one of thepivots.

Suitable means is provided for counterbalancing the weight of thevertically movable carrier l9 and of the pantograph linkage and otherparts supported therefrom. Such means may be in the form of acounterweight or a spring balancing means, such as the spring 9|,the-tension of which is adjustable by a hand wheel 93 cooperating with athreaded rod at the lower end of the spring. ,The upper end of thespring is connected with a band or cord 95 which extends upwardly over apulley mounted to turn about a fixed axis, within the machine frame l1,and thence downwardly to a suitable connection with the carrier I3.

In the machine of the present invention, the pantograph linkage ismounted so as to be caps ble of movement in directions transverse to itsown plane (that is, by moving the carrier IQ upwardly or downwardly onthe frame I1) and only one of the two holders (tool holder 33 and stylusholder 53) is movable relatively to the pantograph linkage in adirection transverse to the plane of operation of the pantograph, theother of such holders being fixed against movement in a directiontransverse to the plane. Thiis, when the plane of operation of thepantograph linkage is substantially horizontal as here disclosed for thesake of convenience, either the tool holder, 33 or the stylus holder 53is-made vertically movable relatively to the pantograph linkage, but theother of such holders is vertically fixed relatively to the linkage. Inthe preferred 'form of construction, it is the tool holder 33.

which is fixed against vertical movement relatively to the pantographlinkage on which it is mounted, and the stylus holder I3 is mounted forvertical sliding movement through the socket Ii These arrangements havesubstantial advantages over the arrangement where both the tool holderand the stylus holder are fixed on the pantograph linkage againstmovement in a direction perpendicular to the plane of operation of thelinkage. When neither of these two holders is mounted. for movementperpendicular to the plane of the pantograph linkage, then if themachine is to perform relief work, it is necessary that the pantographlinkage be mounted for tilting movement, and such tilting movement isdisadvantageous because it causes the tracing stylus and the cuttingtool to assume different angular positions with respect to any givenfixed plane or surface of the pattern and work, whereas it isfrequently-advantageousto keep the tool and the tracing stylus alwaysparallel to themselves in all positions of movement, so that they do nottilt, as this assists in cutting certain kinds of surfaces on the work.

Also, the present arrangements are far superior to a known priorarrangement in which both the stylus holder and the tool holder aremounted for movement in a direction substantially perpendicular to theplane of operation of the pantograph linkage, because in such priorconstruction, during. travel over different elevations of the pattern orwork,-the tool projects to diiferent extents from the plane of operationof the pantograph linkage, and at times,

when projecting to a maximum extent from such plane, the end of the toolmay be relatively far from the guiding or supporting means on thepantograph linkage, with the result that adequate lateral support forthetool is not attained. The present constructions provide a much morerigid and satisfactory support for the tool. to hold it against lateraldeflection, because it never projects very far beyond the plane of thepantograph linkage and thus forces tending to displace the end of thetool laterally from its proper position do not act with any great leverarm, but always with a constant and relatively small lever arm. Ofcourse, if it is the stylus holder rather than the tool holder which isfixed against movement substantially perpendicularly to the plane of thelinkage, then the same remarks as to the advantage of this construction'apply to the stylus holder, and the stylus is never projected very farfrom'the plane of the pantograph linkage, so that it is held morerigidly against lateral deflection.

Another advantage in the present construction, particularly if it is thetool holder which is fixed against movement perpendicularly to the planeof the linkage, is that, since no provision need be made for slidingmovement in adirection axially of the tool spindle, the bearings for thetool spindle can be arranged more satisfactorily, with greater rigidityand less chance for lateral play,

Still another and very important advantage of the arrangement described,is that, when the tool holder is fixed against movement in a directionperpendicularly to the plane of the pantograph linkage, the entire massinertia of the pantog'raph linkage is available for" damping or reducingvibrations of the tool and tool spindle in a direction axially thereof.Thus substantially the 'same mass inertia is available for dampingvibrations axially" of the tool spindle, as the mass inertia which dampsvibrations in a direction transverse I to the tool spindle, and fatigueof the operatorcaused by vibrations axially 'of the spindle is greatlyreduced.-

In the machine constructedas shown in the drawing, the tool 31 will bemoved correspondingly in all directions to the movements of the stylus55, but on a reduced scale, so that the work on the work. table l5 willbe a reduced scale reproduction of the pattern on the pattern table l3,the degree or ratio of reduction being changeable by changing thesetting of the pantograph linkage. If it is desired to make anenlargedreproductionratherthanareducedone,then the work is placed on thetable I3 and the pattern is placed on the table l5, and the'tool holder33 and stylus holder 53 are interchanged from the positions shown in thedrawing, the'sockets in which they are mounted preferably being of thesame size so as to allow for such interchange when desired. Preferably,in that case, the tool holder when mounted in position over the table I3is clamped against movement in a direction transverse to the plane ofoperation of the pantograph linkage, while the stylus holder, now placedover the table I 5, is mounted for such movement in a directionsubstantially perpendicular to the plane of operation of the linkage.

If it' is desired to transform the machine temporarily into an ordinaryengraving machine for engraving on substantially fiat surfaces, ratherthan for making relief reproductions, then the stylus holder 53 ispreferably clamped in the socket 5| so as to be incapable of verticalmovement therein. Any suitable clamping means may be provided, such asthe set-screw 9'! threaded into'the socket 5| and bearing against theholder 53 when screwed inwardly to prevent movement of the holder in thesocket. When such clamping means is used, the part at the top of theholder 53 which carries the pivot 63 is swiveled'or pivoted on theholder 53 so as to be capable of rotating about the vertical axis of theholder.

If it is desired to transform the machine into an engraving machine fora longer period of time, then the holder 53 may be clamped in the socket5l by the clamping means 91, as above indicated,

- movement in its socket and the other holder may be left loose so as tomove axially, for relief work, or may also be clamped against axialmovement for fiat engraving work.

In the form of construction here shown, the axis of the main pivot 2l'issubstantially vertical and the plane of operation of the pantographlinkage is substantially horizontal and is substantially perpendicularto the main pivot axis. This is usually the most convenient arrangementof the parts, though it must be understood that the pivot axis, plane ofoperation, etc., may be placed in any direction or position in space, solong as the various pivotal .axes and planes maintain the properrelation to each other above set forth. l V

While one embodiment of the invention has been disclosed, it is to beunderstood that the inventive idea may be carried out in a number ofways. This application is therefore not to be limited to theprecisedetails described, but is intended to, cover all variations andmodifications thereof falling within the spirit of the invention or thescope of the appended claims.

I claim; 7

l. A relief copying machine-including a frame, a-pantograph linkagemounted on said frame for movement relativelythereto in a directionsubstantially perpendicular to the plane of operation of said linkageand held against tilting movement relative thereto, a tracing stylusholder mounted on said pantograph linkage, a tool holder also mounted onsaid pantograph linkage,

one of said holders being mounted for movement relatively to saidlinkage in a direction substantially perpendicular to said plane ofoperation of'said linkage, the other of said holders being held againstmovement relatively to said linkage in said perpendicular direction, anda member pivotally connected to said frame, said tool holder, and saidstylus holder, for transmitting to one of said holders a proportionatepart of the movements of the other of said holders in a directionsubstantially perpendicular to said plane of operation ofsaid-pantograph linkage.

2. A relief copying machine including a frame,

a pantograph linkage mounted on said frame for plane of operation ofsaid linkage, and a relatively rigid elongated member pivotallyconnected to said stylus holder, tool holder, and frame in such mannerthat movements of said stylus holder relatively to said frame in adirection substantially perpendicular to said plane of operation of saidlinkage will cause corresponding proportional movements in saiddirection of said tool holder relatively to said frame and of saidpantograph linkage bodily with said tool holder.

1 3. A profiling machine including a frame, a

carrier mounted on said frame for movement back and forth along asubstantially straight path, a

main pivot mounted on said carrier and having a pivotal axissubstantially parallel to said path, a pantograph linkage mounted onsaid main pivot to swing thereon in a plane of operation substantiallyperpendicular to said main pivot and to said path, a tool holder mountedon said pantograph linkage, a stylus holder also mounted on saidpantograph linkage, the axes of said tool holder and stylus holder bothlying substantially in a common plane passing axially through said mainpivot, one of said holders being mounted for sliding movement relativelyto said pantograph linkage in a direction along said common plane andsubstantially perpendicular to said plane of operation of saidpantograph linkage, the other of said holders being held againstmovement relativelyto said pantograph linkage in said common plane, abar lying substantially in said common plane, a pivotal connectionbetween said bar and said stylus holder, another pivotal connectionbetween said bar and said tool holder, and

a third pivotal connection between said bar and said frame, said thirdpivotal connection lying substantially on the axis of said main pivot,and said bar being slidable longitudinally with respect to two of saidthree pivotal connections.

4. A profiling machine including a. frame, a carrier mounted on saidframe for movement back and forth along a substantially straight path, apantograph linkage pivotally mounted on said carrier to swing about amain pivot axis substantiaily parallel to said path in a plane ofoperation substantially perpendicular to said main pivot axis and tosaid path of movement of said carrier, 9. tool holder mounted on saidpantograph linkage and held, during normal operation, against movementrelatively thereto in a direction transverse to said plane of operationof said linkage, a stylus holder also mounted on said linkage formovement relatively thereto in a direction substantially perpendicularto said plane of operation of said linkage, said tool holder and stylusholder both having axes lying substantially in a common plane passingaxially through said main pivot axis, a relatively rigid bar lyingsubstantially in said common plane, means pivotally connecting said barto said stylus holder, universal pivot means slidable longitudinallyalong said bar for connecting said bar to said tool holder, anduniversal pivot means slidable longitudinally along said bar forconnecting said bar to said frame at a point substantially in alinementwith said main pivot axis.

5. A construction'as described in claim 4, in which said universal pivotmeans for connecting said bar to said frame includes a member pivotallymounted on said frame to turn about an axis substantially coincidingwith said main pivot axis, said member having two arms extending in thegeneral direction of said axis and spaced from each other on oppositesides of said axis, two plates spaced from each other on opposite sidesof said bar and received between said two arms of said member, pivotmeans connecting said two plates to said two arms formovement relativelythereto about a pivotal axis substantially intersecting andsubstantially perpendicular to said axis on which said member turns onsaid frame,

a roller mounted on said two plates and located between them for rollingon one edge'of said bar, and another roller mounted on said two platesand located between them for rolling on an opposite edge of said bar.

6. In an engraving and copying machine of the type including a bar to bepivotally connected to a part for universal pivotal movement in alldirections relatively thereto and to be slidable longitudinallyrelatively to such part, the combinatially intersectingthe center lineof said bar so KKURT mon

